Andy Campbell is living proof that dreams can come true – even if it takes years, or even decades, to happen.
The retired former managing director of Stagecoach East was given the chance to don the Three Lions and represent an England football team – in his 70s.
He first turned out for the England A Over 70s team against the England Over 75s in a 1-1 draw in December last year. He has played a few more times for them since.
The Northstowe resident, who is originally from Leeds, was then picked to captain the team on his 71st birthday, finally fulfilling a childhood dream. He describes playing for his country as “absolutely brilliant”.
“It started out after I retired,” said Andy. “We went on a few holidays and one of them was in the Lake District. And when I drove back, I got what I thought was sciatica in my leg.
“So I went to see a physio in Swavesey, Susie Jennings, who was very good and she sorted me out – and then she recommended the local Swavesey walking football team.
“I started playing with them and then I played a charity match down at Coldham’s Common. The referee on the day was Trevor George, who’s well-known within local football circles.
“He asked me if I fancied playing full football and I started training with the Cambridgeshire Over 50s at Bottisham.
“After that, he recommended me for a trial with the England team. I went for a trial and didn’t hear anything after that.
“Then I went to watch them one day and the manager got injured, so I played half an hour for them. But the position I play is where the manager plays for the England team, so he wasn’t going to drop himself, was he?!
“Then, because they’d got up to a number where they could actually run two teams, they decided to run an England A team and I started playing for them.
“We played a few games and I’ve done very well – and, then on the last game, the manager there who normally captains the side couldn’t start the game and he asked me if I would go as England captain, which I was really pleased about – great honour.
“All the family came to watch – I even impressed my grandson! And we got beaten, unfortunately, but it still doesn’t take away from the honour of captaining your country.”
Andy, a sweeper or centre back who trained with Leeds United Juniors while still at school, notes that the Over 70s World Cup is taking place in August.
Countries taking part, besides England, include Australia, Denmark, Germany, Wales and the USA.
“The World Cup is in Cardiff,” notes Andy. “Last year it was in Thailand and the year before Japan, so not quite as exciting!”
Andy says he found playing for the Leeds United Junior squad “very difficult”.
“They used to tell you to do strange things like run on the spot if you didn’t have the ball, rather than try and get into space,” he recalls, “and I’ve never been very good at being told what to do – I have my own opinions on things!
“Unfortunately I didn’t last as long as I wanted to, but I played local football at quite a decent level, but nothing professional.”
[Read more: *[*Stagecoach East MD Andy Campbell to retire in December*](https://premium.cambridgeindependent.co.uk/news/stagecoach-east-md-andy-campbell-to-retire-in-december-9050093/)]*
The veteran sportsman hopes his story will inspire others never to give up on their dreams.
He adds: “I know people think you get to 70 and you should be put out to grass, but when I play it’s just like being a teenager again – until I stop playing and then you realise how old you really are!”
As for England’s chances at the World Cup… well, perhaps with Andy at centre back they’ll prove tough to beat – by parking the bus, as they say.
